Educational

Windows Update Stuck? Here’s How to Fix it

Last updated on December 9, 2019

Windows updates can be bad even when they work perfectly. Nobody likes getting interrupted or having his internet connection being slowed down due to random downloads. And things can only get worse when you’re experiencing the “Windows update stuck” issue.

Thankfully, there are quite a lot of different solutions that may end up helping you get past this. So, let’s check them out one by one and see if we can fix that problem.

Make Sure That The Update is Actually Stuck

Before trying to do anything, make sure that the update is actually stuck. Some updates can take a long time to install. Especially on older machines and especially on big Windows updates.

The easiest way to check that out is by checking your hard drive activity LED. It looks something like this:

As long as you’re writing something on the drive, be it an SSD or HDD, that light should be blinking repeatedly or every few seconds – depending on how much data is being written and how often. The same concept applies to Windows updates as they need to be written somewhere during the installation.

The exact HDD icon will differ from computer to computer. Most modern desktops don’t even have an icon – only a secondary light somewhere nearby the power LED.

Also, do keep in mind that just because nothing is being written on the hard drive, doesn’t mean that Windows isn’t moving forward with the update. It could also be downloading. The easiest way to check that is by using the default task manager!

In that screenshot, you can see that Steam is downloading at 7.4 Mbps. If that was a Windows update, the Service Host: DNS Client should be the one to consume that data. To check it out for yourself, right-click on the Windows dock and select “Task Manager”.

Open “More details”, sort apps by network usage, and see if Windows is downloading that update. If it’s not downloading or installing anything, then there is a chance that it’s indeed stuck.

1: Windows Update Stuck? Try Rebooting the PC

This is the most traditional approach – ever. In the tech world, when something doesn’t work, regardless of what it may be, turning it off and on is often an easy workaround for fixing it.

Now, we know. Windows recommends that we shouldn’t turn off our computer while updates are being installed so that we won’t end up corrupting the OS and rendering our computer useless. However, that only applies while you’re installing the updates. If all you do is wait for the download to continue, then restarting the computer should be fine.

This is kind of how it looks like when a Windows update is stuck on the download process. Again, at this point, restarting the computer should be fine. Don’t do it from the power button. Instead, use the Windows icon to perform a restart (This puts less strain on hard drives and fan hubs and it’s also another way to ensure that you’re not going to abruptly cut the power).

To do that, simply:

Click on the Windows icon at the bottom-left part of the screen
Press the power button
Then click on “Restart” or “Update and restart” in case that Windows has already downloaded some updates

If Windows is already installing the updates and it’s frozen there instead, then turning off your computer at that point is a very risky thing to do. That’s because if the update is a crucial part of the OS and it gets corrupted in the process, then you’re going to end up making Windows unbootable.

2: Windows Update Stuck Again? Try Restarting the Router

We previously tried to fix the issue by restarting the computer. But that’s only going to work in case that the problem lies within the computer. What if it’s the router or your internet connection instead?

If you tried downloading the update after rebooting the PC only for it to get stuck again, then there is a chance that we’re dealing with a network-related issue.

While there’s not much that you can do on your own for the internet connection/line, you can most definitely fix the router with a simple restart. Unless it’s broken of course.

The easiest way to do that is by heading over to it and clicking the power button one time to power it off and once more in order to turn it on.

The exact power button placement and shape will differ from router to router. So, look for it on your own and try to avoid the reset button for now as that could put us into a whole new world of adventures (Re-inserting passwords, usernames, etc).

Some people recommend waiting for a few seconds to a few minutes before powering on the router again in order for it to cool down. So, you could try that as well.

Powering on may take anywhere from a few seconds to 5-10 minutes depending on the router and DSL connection.

3: Reboot Into Safe Mode

In some rare instances, 3rd party programs may end up interfering with Windows updates which could explain why your update is stuck. Now, you could try closing programs or services one by one until the culprit is found. But, an easier way would probably be rebooting into safe mode and handling the updates from there.

The reason that we are after Windows’ safe mode here is that it boots up our system with nothing but the bare essentials. So, if there’s indeed a 3rd party program which is interfering with your updates, then it won’t be launched on safe mode and everything should go well from here on out.

So, to boot Windows into safe mode:

Click on the Windows icon (bottom left part of the screen)
Go to the settings (Gear icon)
Update & security
Recovery
Restart now (Under Advanced Startup)
Troubleshoot
Advanced options
Startup Settings
Restart

After this, you need to press either the 4 or F4 button which will put the PC into safe mode. And once the PC is ready again, try installing the update or updates by going into the settings and manually checking for updates.

4: Try Using The Troubleshooting Tool

Windows 10 comes with a built-in tool that’s specifically made for helping out with Windows updates. It may prove to be useful here. Here’s how to use it:

Open the Windows’ search bar
Type “Control panel” then hit enter or click on the result that comes up
Go to “System and Security”
Under “Security and Maintenance” click on “Troubleshoot common computer problems”
Click on “Windows Update”
Then “Run the troubleshooter”

After that, simply wait for the tool to do its job. If there’s something wrong, Windows should let you know about it and depending on the problem, it may fix everything automatically or it may also recommend some steps that need to be taken in order for the problem to be fixed.

5: Perform a System Reset

A system reset is your last resort as it’ll delete pretty much everything on your PC – apart from maybe your personal files. But, even that largely depends on where you keep your files.

That being said, if it all comes down to this, we’d highly recommend making a backup of anything that’s important. Do keep in mind that this applies for apps as well. Keeping backups is actually something that should be done regularly. But, truth be told, most of us never bother. In any case, back to business.

Here’s what you need to do in order to perform a system reset on Windows 10:

Click on the Windows icon (bottom left part of the screen)
Go to Settings
Click on “Update & Security”
Recovery
Select “Get Started” which should lie under “Reset this PC”
Choose whether you want to delete or keep your personal files (Again, many files will be deleted no matter what – depending on their location)
Then follow the on-screen instructions and wait for the process to finish

Since this is a system reset, it may end up taking quite some time. Those of you who are stuck with an older system may be looking at a wait time of about 2 or even 4 hours while more powerful systems can complete the process in less than 30 minutes.

If you happen to have a system restore point then you can try that as well. And if nothing works, then our last option is installing Windows from scratch.

Setting up everything from the very beginning can be a tough and time-consuming task. But, sometimes, there really is no other choice.

Wrapping Up

That’s all we’ve got for now. Let us know what method worked best for you. And if there are any other recommendations, feel free to let us and everyone else know about them as well.

What to Do If Your Phone Is Lost or Stolen

Last updated on December 5, 2019

Phones are small, often expensive items we carry with us everywhere and rely on for communication, transport, banking, and numerous other things. This means that not only are the chances of us becoming separated from our precious rectangles relatively high, but also the potential disruption to our lives when they’re lost is considerable. But in this age of cloud computing and advanced mobile technology, we need not despair when we arrive home and find that our mobile isn’t in the handbag where we thought it was. We may be able to recover it – and if not, we can make sure no one else can profit from it.

Technical support has become an essential service for businesses in recent decades, and often includes cybersecurity and disaster recovery to protect your business from data loss or theft. If you believe employing IT support services can benefit your SME, be sure to choose only the best available.

Be prepared

It may be too late, but taking all the necessary security measures is always the best practice. First, always make sure you have a passcode turned on, and if available, make use of the fingerprint authentication. Facial recognition may not be 100 percent secure just yet, so this is best avoided.

Passcodes and fingerprint authentication can be entered and turned on in the Settings app. This is a security measure that should be kept to, and although it may seem like an inconvenience to enter the code every time you use your phone, the potential losses make this an absolute must. Fingerprint authentication is quicker and more convenient, but Samsung has publicly recognised weaknesses in the technology.

Other advisable pre-emptive measures include regular backups (or ensuring that auto backups are in place), taking out an insurance policy, and using an app to enable two-factor authentication on your most valuable apps.

Many apps like Dropbox, Google Photos or iCloud Photos automatically save data to cloud, which is always the safest option. For Android phones, Backup and Restore can be found under Settings then Cloud and Accounts. iPhone Backup can be found under Settings, your name, then your device. Backups can be performed manually, though this is usually done automatically.

Two-factor authentication can be applied to important accounts and is a higher level of security. This is a default practice for Google Suite, and can also be used with other apps that contain sensitive data.

Report your phone lost or stolen

A first step to take after your phone is lost or stolen should be to report the incident to your carrier. Someone else in possession of your phone could be using your calls, texts and data, which needs to be stopped immediately. It should also be reported to the police in case someone finds it and hands it in. The chances of a stolen or lost phone being handed in to the police may be minimal, but still possible. A police record will also be required for making an insurance claim.

Lock your phone

To keep any unauthorised user from accessing sensitive information on your phone, we fortunately have the option to lock it down remotely.

For an Android phone, this can be achieved by visiting google.com/android/devicemanager and signing in to the Google account linked to your Android phone. For an iPhone, the address to visit is icloud.com/find. Log in with your Apple ID password and choose Lost Mode from the menu.

After locking the phone, the only access to it will be with your password which other people should not have access to. There is also the option to set a lock screen message from the same sites listed above, where you can explain that the phone has been lost and leave another number to call if the person in possession of it would like to return it.

Locate your phone

Through the same sites given above, there is also the option to locate your phone through GPS. If the phone has been locked it can still be located, but not if the phone has been turned off. When the device is in the possession of a thief, it is not recommended that you confront them after finding their location, as this could be dangerous.

If the phone has been misplaced somewhere in your immediate vicinity, then it is possible to make the device play a sound so it can be found. Another option given is Erase Device or Erase iPhone. This will permanently delete all data from your phone so it cannot be used for fraudulent purposes, but after doing this it will not be possible to remotely locate the device.

Check all online accounts

After your phone has gone missing, it’s best to ensure all your accounts containing sensitive data, or any information that could be used against you, are protected. Many apps will warn against unauthorised attempts to gain access. With Facebook, there is the option to check the current logins from another device, then log out of all sessions. This can also be done with other leading platforms, such as Google and Twitter.

Mobile security apps

In addition to the dangers of losing your phone, mobile security is a growing threat. Hackers are targeting endpoint devices, and cybercrime is increasing and becoming more sophisticated. For those not satisfied with the built-in security levels, extra protection can be offered through choosing a mobile security app that can scan content, analyse apps before downloading them, limit, filter or prevent spam, and phishing, and combat malware. These apps have both free and paid plans, and include Avast, Lookout or Kaspersky.

As expensive devices carrying valuable data, losing a mobile device is something we all would prefer to avoid. Unfortunately, this is not always possible, so we should all try to observe best security practices to minimise the damage on those unfortunate occasions. We can follow these courses of action when things come to the worst, but it is always better to be safe rather than sorry.

How to Become Google Cloud Certified

Last updated on November 21, 2019

Trying to take your career to the next level and validate your technical expertise? The Google Cloud Platform provides a series of certifications that demonstrate to the world your capacity to “design, develop, manage, and administer application infrastructure and data solutions on Google Cloud technology”. As we mentioned in ‘Need a Job? You’d Better Learn to Code‘, practically every industry is looking for developers, and this demand continues to rise from year to year. As a result, learning how to read, write, and understand code is a vital skill set that guarantees you a highly lucrative career. Can’t wait to get started? Here are some tips to help you pass that exam and get Google Cloud Certified:

1. Choose your desired certification

Currently, there are eight certifications on offer, including roles for Professional Cloud Architect, Professional Data Engineer, and Professional Cloud Developer. This chart by Google shows you the various languages available per certification, with the Associate Cloud Engineer exam being offered in seven languages. Click on each role to read a brief description of what each position entails, to find one that best suits your capabilities and interests.

2. Read through exam guides

Arguably the most useful aspect on offer for each certification is an exam guide. Each exam guide provides a detailed breakdown of all the specific topics you need to know inside and out. For the Associate Cloud Engineer certificate, this includes:
1. Setting up a cloud solution environment
2. Planning and configuring a cloud solution
3. Deploying and implementing a cloud solution
4. Ensuring successful operation of a cloud solution, and finally
5. Configuring access and security.

We suggest going through each topic in detail and identifying your key strengths, as well as any areas that may require further study.

3. Search online to find tips and tricks

Studying for the exam on your own can be a very intimidating and time-consuming. The good news is that there are plenty of sources outside of Google that can help you prepare for your exam. You could join the 160,000 people currently taking classes on Udemy. Alternatively, you could read about some of the experiences of people who passed all the Google Cloud Certification exams like Satish Vj. Most people who have passed the exams are keen to offer advice, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them.

4. Take the practice exam as many times as you need

To prepare you for the real thing, Google offers a practice exam for each certificate with similar questions and concepts that may pop up on the certification exam. You can take this exam as many times as you wish, and your score will help determine your level of preparation. Why is it so important to take practice exams? For one thing, failing the exam is rather cost-prohibitive. It costs $200 to take the actual exam, and if you don’t pass, you can only retake the exam after 14 days, and for another $200.

5. Schedule and take your exam

Feeling confident? It’s time to register for your exam and find a test center near your location. According to this article by Jeff Hale on Towards Data Science, the testing process is difficult due to the large breadth of material you’re required to cover. He adds that “it’s not even clear exactly how many Google products could be on the exam because new products are always being added and products are being changed”. That’s why it’s always best to ensure that your study resources are as up to date as possible.

In the end, getting Google Cloud Certificate may be a lengthy process, but it’s definitely worth your while. Google claims that getting Cloud certifications can lead to positive financial growth. To further motivate you, the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect certification landed at the number one spot on the top-paying certifications list of Global Knowledge‘s 2019 survey, so it’s definitely something to aspire to.

Fixed: There Was a Problem Downloading the Software for iPhone

Last updated on November 18, 2019

As of lately, lots of people have been encountering the “There was a problem downloading the software for iPhone” issue. If you’re one of them, then keep on reading as we’ve got quite a few solutions that could help you out!

There are a ton of reasons for this issue to come up. Internet connectivity, lack of storage, and more. Our solutions are not guaranteed to work. But, what’s the harm in trying? A little something is always better than nothing!

1: Make Sure that Everything is Updated

If you’re trying to update your iPhone through a computer, then the very first thing that you should do is make sure that everything is on the latest version. The process of doing that will slightly differ depending on the kind of computer that you’re using.

For Windows, the easiest way of making sure that every Apple program is on the latest version is by using Apple Software Updater. It should be

It’s very easy to find and use. All you have to do is:

Open Window’s search bar (Lower left corner of the screen – next to the Windows icon)
Type “Apple Software Updater”
Open the program
Wait until it finishes its search for updates
Select everything that needs to get updated
Then click on “Install”

Installing the updates may end up taking a while – depending on how fast your computer and/or internet connection is. But, the wait is worth it. After all, this may end up fixing the “There was a problem downloading the software for iPhone” issue.

The update process is even easier for Mac computers:

Open the Apple menu (Apple icon)
Click on “System Preferences”
Software update
And that’s about it

Now all you have to do is click on the “Update Now” button, wait for the installation to finish, and then move on. Hopefully, that will be enough to fix your issue. If not, then keep on reading.

2: Make Sure that Your Phone is Updated

It’s not just the computer that needs to be running the latest updates, but the phone as well. To update your iPhone, all you have to do is:

Open the Settings
Head over to “Software Update”
And if there are any available updates to install, select “Download and Install”

The exact same process can be applied to iPad and iPod devices as well. Do keep in mind that if you don’t have enough space to install the updates, then you’ll be forced to uninstall apps or delete content.

Also, if there is a big update that needs to be installed and you’re on a slow network, make sure to leave the phone plugged in overnight or you’re running the risk of draining the battery and starting the day with a very little charge.

3: Uninstall 3rd Party Security Programs

There are lots of people who can’t survive without a security program. Especially on Windows computers which are kind of more vulnerable to security threats.

However, the truth is that Antivirus software will often block numerous programs from accessing the Internet. In our case, this is one possible cause for the “There was a problem downloading the software for iPhone” issue.

That’s why you need to temporarily uninstall your security software, do what it is that you have to do, and then you can install the Antivirus/Anti-Malware again.

To do that in Windows 10:

Click on the Windows icon
Open the Settings (Gear icon)
Go to “Apps”
Find your security program
And click on “Uninstall”

You could also try temporarily disabling it instead. But, the process of doing that differs from Antivirus to Antivirus. So, if that sounds like a better idea, Google is your friend.

It goes without saying that if you want the security program back, then you’ll have to download and install it all over again. If it’s a paid program, then you’ll most likely need the login details or the premium key as well.

For Mac, all you have to do is:

Open the Finder
Select “Applications”
Then find your security app and select “Uninstall”

Just like with Windows computers, you’ll be required to re-install the security software after you’re done with this whole ordeal. But, of course, whether you want to do that or not is completely up to you.

4: Delete the .ipsw File

The .ipsw file is a sort of temporary space/file that your device relies on to download and install pieces of software. There is a chance that it got corrupted somewhere in the process and that’s why you’re experiencing the “There was a problem downloading the software for iPhone” issue.

That’s why deleting this file and trying to re-download whatever it is that you were trying to download may end up fixing the problem. No promises, though. To do that, go to:

Finder
Select the “Go” menu and head over to “Library”
Look for the iTunes folder -> iPhone Software Updates
Locate the file that should end in “Restore.ipsw”
Delete it
Then try to download your software again

That’s how the name looks on both Windows and Mac. You may see a few variations, depending on the software that you’re trying to download and the device that you’re using. But, the file should always end in Restore.ipsw.

As you can see in the image above – when it comes to Windows computers, the file is located on C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone Software Updates

5: Make Sure that Everything is OK With Your Internet Connection

Maybe the computer and the phone are not to blame. Maybe there’s something wrong with your connection. Obviously, if you can read this article, then everything should be fine.

However, are you sure that you’re using the Wi-Fi? Maybe only one of the devices has access to the Internet and you just didn’t happen to notice. Maybe you just ran out of data on the iPhone.

In any case, we’d highly recommend making sure that you’re connected to a functional Wi-Fi or data connection. You can easily do that through the settings of the phone.

If your computer can get access to the Internet but the phone refuses to work through the same Wi-Fi, then we’re sorry to let you know that something may be indeed wrong with the iPhone.

Still Experiencing the “There Was a Problem Downloading the Software for iPhone” Issue?

If you’ve tried everything that we mentioned till now and the issue hasn’t been resolved, then your only option is to perform a factory reset. This means that everything on the phone will be deleted.

We’d highly recommend keeping backups on the iCloud, Google Drive, on your computer, or any other place that suits you best before moving forward with the factory reset. Nobody likes losing precious data such as photos, documents, and things like that.

To reset your iPhone, go to:

Settings
General
Reset
Erase all content and settings
Type in your password

And that should be it.

After that, wait for the phone to reboot, restore any backups if you must, and try again. This brings the phone to a brand-new like state. So, there’s not much left to do.

If this method fails as well, then perhaps the fault lies with the computer that you’re trying to use.

Wrapping Up

In any case, that’s about all we’ve got for now. If you’ve got any questions, then let us know about them in the comments section down below! If something ended up helping you out, then do also let us and everyone else know about it.

How to fix: Windows 10 100% Disk Usage

Last updated on November 10, 2019

Windows 10 may generally be an improvement over older versions. But,1 at the same time, it’s not like it doesn’t have its own issues as well. One of them is the 100% disk usage that numerous users seem to be experiencing.

This problem seems to be more common for HDD users and once it happens, it’ll make your PC unbearably slow. There are quite a lot of different causes for this issue and also a lot of different fixes.

So, without wasting any more time, let us get right to it!

1: Track Down the Culprit

Since there are a lot of things that may be causing the 100% disk usage, the very first thing that you should do is track down the culprit. If you can tell what it is that causes the issue, you’ve got the option of skipping through most of our solutions and using the right one immediately without wasting any time.

The easiest way to do that is by using Windows’ task manager. Here’s how:

Right-click on Windows’ dock (Very bottom of the screen)
Select “Task manager”
Click on the “Disk” section so that an arrow that points down comes up (This means that you’re narrowing down apps by increased disk usage)
And now look at what it is that’s causing your drive to work at full throttle all the time

In the above example, we can see that Windows’ Antimalware is the one that’s responsible for our high-disk usage. If you’re experiencing something similar, then head over to our “Uninstall/pause any security programs” section.

Do keep in mind that one of the reasons that this doesn’t result in 100% disk usage is due to the fast SSD that our PC uses. If we were to use a mechanical hard drive instead, chances are that it would hit 100% immediately.

After all, traditional hard drives use mechanical parts that need to physically move around in order to access different small files across the platter. And that’s one of the main reasons that certain apps may end up maxing out your drive usage very easily – regardless of the OS.

2: Uninstall/Pause Any Security Programs

While we’re on the topic of security programs, if you noticed that it’s an Anti-Malware or an Antivirus that’s causing the damage, then you can either temporarily pause it or permanently uninstall it.

The process of pausing an Antivirus will differ from program to program. Generally, you should be able to do it by opening the hidden apps (Arrow that’s pointing up at the lower right part of the screen), right-clicking on the Antivirus app, and selecting “Disable” or “Pause” – depending on what the program says.

If you can’t find that option, refer to Google or the program’s customer support/documentation. Again, the process differs from program to program. So, there’s no universal method.

Thankfully, there is at least a universal method for uninstalling programs. To do so:

Click on the Windows icon (Lower left part of the screen)
Go to Settings (Gear icon)
Apps
Find the security program that’s using your disk
Click on it
Then select “Uninstall”

The uninstall process may take a while depending on how powerful your CPU is and whether you’re using an SSD or not. The size of the Antivirus itself plays a massive role as well.

If you’re sure that the Antivirus was the cause of the 100% disk usage, then this should fix it. If you absolutely need a security program, then do keep in mind that there is the option of setting it up so that it won’t scan for viruses on specific times that you’re using the PC. And thus, the 100% disk usage issue should be eliminated without actually uninstalling the Antivirus.

3: Fix 100% Disk Usage by Disabling Windows Search

Windows Search needs to crawl through your disk for all the information that it needs. And while that’s not exactly an issue for decent builds, budget or entry-level computers may end up becoming much slower due to Windows Search.

If you find out that this is the case for you, try disabling Windows Search. You’ll lose quick access to most of the files on the computer. But, that’s better than having a super slow PC in the first place.

First things first, you should try temporarily disabling Windows Search to make sure that it’s the one to blame for the 100% disk usage. To do that:

On your keyboard, hit the Windows button along with the “X” button at the same time
Select “Command Prompt (Admin)
Click on “Yes” for the UAC (User Account Control)
And once you are in the command prompt, type net.exe stop “Windows search”

If this ends up fixing your problem, then there is almost no doubt that Windows Search is the one to blame and you should consider permanently disabling it. And if that doesn’t sound like a good idea, then you should at the very least upgrade to a good SSD.

Otherwise, here’s how to permanently disable Windows Search:

On your keyboard, hit the Windows button and the “R” key at the same time
A bar will come up. Type services.msc on it
Scroll down to Windows Search and double-click on it
Click on Startup type
Select Disabled
Hit OK
Reboot (Or stop the service on the spot
And that’s about it

If your disk is back to normal usage, then there is no doubt that Windows Search was the one to blame.

4: Perform an Anti-Malware Scan

Sometimes, the 100% disk usage issue isn’t caused by normal apps, but by malware instead. That’s why we strongly recommend performing an Anti-Malware scan as well.

There are plenty of tools that can help you do that. But, one of the most popular and effective ones is Malwarebytes. It’s completely free to use. So, do definitely give it a try.

All you have to do is:

Download Malwarebytes from its official website
Go through with the installation process (The program will provide you with instructions)
And perform a full scan

The whole process may end up taking some time. But, that’s entirely going to depend on how fast your computer is, how many files there are to be scanned, how large the drive is, how fast it is, etc. So, be patient.

Still Experiencing the 100% Disk Usage Issue?

Those were the most popular solutions to the above-mentioned issue. If there’s nothing that worked, then here are a few other fixes of miscellaneous nature that are worth a try:

Reboot the computer: It’s the traditional “Have you tried turning it off and on” approach. It’s a very simple fix that works surprisingly often
Perform a factory reset: Depending on the kind of reset that you’ll perform, this will end up deleting a few of your files. But, it’ll also bring your computer back to a brand-new like state
Switch your power plan from “Balanced” or “Power Saving” to “High performance”
Make sure that the drive itself isn’t faulty: Some tools like
Update Windows to the latest version
Disable Windows’ Superfetch: It’s the exact same process with the Windows Search that we described in detail

And if nothing works, then we’re really out of options here. If you discovered something which worked and that we haven’t mentioned in this list, then make sure to let us and everyone else know about it in the comments section.

How to Setup External GPU for Laptop (EC)

Last updated on October 16, 2019

Using an external GPU for Laptop is a great way to boost your gaming performance without having to buy a brand new PC. The only issue with external setups is that they are either too expensive or too complicated to use.

In this article, we’ll be guiding you on the second kind: the cheap but complicated method. Our aim is to make it as simple as possible for you to understand. So, without any further ado, let’s get right into it!

Inventory

First things first, let’s see what we’re going to need:

A Laptop with an Express Card slot
A GPU
An ATX power supply
Code 43 fix (If you use an Nvidia 10xx or 20xx series card)
An EXP GDC adapter
And an external monitor

Laptop

Anything that has an Express Card slot should work. It’s an old connector that has gone extinct at this point. But, this article is made to support those who are stuck with an old laptop and don’t wish to pay for a new computer anyway.

If you don’t have an Express Card slot, then you could try using the mini PCI-E slot that is normally occupied by your Wi-Fi adapter. The problem with this is that not only you’ll lose Wi-Fi capabilities, but you’ll also have to get access to the innards of the laptop with no guarantee that this will work in the first place.

Laptops with Express Card connectors, on the other hand, simply require you to take off the dummy, plug in the EXP GDC, and you’re good to give it a try after powering it on. Much easier to work with and more likely to work in the first place.

There’s no guarantee that anything will work. But, you can find a list of laptops that are known for working with the adapter over here.

Those of you who own a newer laptop with a thunderbolt connector should be able to use an external dock without any issues. Though, do keep in mind that this is massively more expensive than the EXP GDC beast.

GPU and Error 43 Patch

Anything will do. But, do keep in mind that older laptops have relatively weak CPUs that can’t compete with their Desktop counterparts.

Powerful GPUs are most likely going to get bottlenecked. So, it would be for the best if you get a budget to mid-range GPU like the 750 Ti up to the RX 570 or something similar.

In our experience, we managed to use a 750 ti on a 3rd gen, dual-core i5, with no bottlenecks. And a GTX 1060 6GB on the same laptop with severe bottlenecks in certain titles like Witcher 3, Dirt Rally, For Honor, and F1 2017.

Speaking of which, if you go with a 10xx or 20xx Nvidia GPU, then do keep in mind that you’ll need the Error 43 fixer or you won’t be able to install the latest drivers.

ATX PSU and EXP GDC Adapter

The last thing that we need to complete our inventory is the EXP GDC adapter to plug in our GPU and an ATX PSU to feed both the card and the adapter.

Regarding the power supply, since you are only going to be powering a GPU and the adapter, we aren’t going to need anything too powerful. Something like a CX 550 should be plenty for most setups.

External Monitor

An external GPU with EXP GDC can only work with external monitors and not with your laptop’s display. Some people have managed to get it working without using a monitor, but they ended up reporting massive performance losses anyway.

Now, since a low to mid-range GPU that’s already bottlenecked by the Express Card interface isn’t going to work well with high-resolution or high refresh rate displays, a standard 1080P 60Hz/70Hz monitorshould be more than enough for you. Size is entirely up to personal preference.

1: External GPU for Laptop: Power Setup

First things first, let’s get power out of the way. Make sure that everything is turned off and unplugged in order to avoid any potential damages.

EXP GDC should come with a 24-pin adapter which will allow you to use the PSU. All you have to do is plug the 8-pin end to the adapter, then connect it to the PSU with the 24-pin motherboard connector and the 4-pin CPU connector (Yellow and black cables) like so.

After that, you’ll also need to feed the graphics card. So, plug it into the EXP GDC and connect it with any 6 or 8-pin cables that it asks for (Directly to the GPU – not the 6-pin of EXP GDC).

Some low-end GPUs like the GTX 750 Ti and 1050 can work without asking for any extra power. So, no need to worry if your GPU doesn’t ask for 6 or 8-pin connectivity.

2: Data Connectivity

All that’s left now is to:

Connect the laptop with the adapter
Connect the GPU to the monitor

And you should be good to go. To connect the laptop with the adapter, you’ll need to use the HDMI to Express Card cable that came inside the box.

The HDMI goes to EXP GDC and the Express Card cable to your laptop. In order to disconnect the dummy or any EC device that’s connected to the laptop, just push a little bit to the inside until you hear a click.

external gpu for laptop — Setup with dedicated power brick (Not ATX)

If you don’t have an Express Card slot, then your only option is to open the bottom of the laptop and get access to a Mini-PCI-E port which will most likely require you to remove the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth adapter. Do keep in mind that you must pick the appropriate EXP GDC version from the very beginning.

After the connection is done, all that remains is to connect the GPU to a monitor with HDMI, Display Port, VGA, or whatever you’ve got, plug in everything, turn on the laptop (Make sure that the PSU is turned on as well), and hopefully, everything will start working.

Some GPUs and PSUs don’t turn on their fans until they reach a certain temperature. So, do keep that in mind as well.

3: Last Touches to Complete the External GPU for Laptop Setup

If everything works as intended, then the only thing that remains is to install the GPU drivers, launch some games, and see how well they run. So, first things first, head over to either Nvidia or AMD, depending on which card you’ve got, find the appropriate drivers, install them, and then come back.

Again, if you own an Nvidia 10xx or 20xx series, then you’ll need to run the core 43 error fix or you won’t be able to get the latest drivers. And that’s about it. Your whole system should be set up and good to go now.

External GPU for Laptop Setup: Wrapping Up

Do understand that this is not a foolproof method. There is no guaranteed that it’s going to work with all laptops – even if they do come with an Express Card slot.

That being said, let us know how things went on your end in the comments section down below. And if you’ve come across any problems, we may be able to help you out!

What You Should Not Do on an Airport Wi-Fi Network

Last updated on September 26, 2019

Author: Justin Lewis

For anyone who travels regularly for business, public Wi-Fi networks provide a vital resource. Without public Wi-Fi networks, many of us would be unable to access business networks and do our jobs while on the go. Given how reliant some people are on Wi-Fi, its security issues are a serious threat we cannot ignore.

If you’re a frequent flyer, for business or pleasure, chances are that you regularly make use of airport Wi-Fi networks. Like any public Wi-Fi network, these networks need to be approached with caution. There are certain things that you should never do while connected to an airport Wi-Fi network, as well as a number of steps you can take to keep you and your data as safe as possible.

Don’t Make Your Device Discoverable

Whenever you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, you are connecting to a network that other people will inevitably use. If you use your home network for file-sharing, make sure that you have this setting off when you are using the airport Wi-Fi, otherwise, other people might be able to access your files.

On a Windows device, you will find the necessary options in the advanced sharing options within the Network and Internet settings section. Look for the ‘File and Printer Sharing’ options and make sure that ‘Network Discovery’ is unchecked. If you’re on a Mac, go to System Preferences and then Sharing.

Don’t Browse Without Protection

Whenever you use a public Wi-Fi network, there is some level of risk involved. If the network you are using hasn’t been set up to use encryption, it is absurdly easy to set up a laptop to capture traffic traveling through the network. There are a number of man-in-the-middle style cyberattacks that exploit unprotected and unencrypted public Wi-Fi networks.

Regardless of the settings that the network is using, you can ensure that any data sent between your device and the internet is encrypted by using a proxy or VPN service. A VPN will encrypt all the data leaving your device before it is sent anywhere, making it all but impossible to read. It will also protect your privacy and security while you browse the internet by placing a buffer, the VPN server, between you and the websites you want to access. If your employee does not provide you with a VPN, the business might be at serious risk.

A proxy service works in a similar way, although a proxy will require more work on your part to set up properly. Both methods will enable you to greatly improve your security.

Don’t Automatically Connect to Open Networks

When it comes to technology, there is almost always a trade-off between convenience and security. The more convenient something is for you, the more likely it is to undermine your security. This is true when it comes to Wi-Fi networks – automatically connecting to open networks makes things easier and more automatic for you, but it also means you might automatically connect to an insecure network.

Worse still, you could potentially end up automatically connecting to a wireless hotspot that has been set up specifically to steal data from unsuspecting users. It is important that you always check the IDs of any network that you are connecting to so you can make sure that it is one that you trust. If your device is set to automatically connect to any open network it can find, you won’t have the opportunity to check.

Make Sure You Use HTTPS

When you connect to the internet, you might have noticed that there is sometimes a padlock icon in your URL bar next to the address of the site you are visiting. This padlock indicates that the site is offering you a secure connection using the Secure Socket Layer protocol – the ‘S’ in HTTPS.

The details aren’t important, what matters is that using the SSL protocol means that your communications with the website will be encrypted. Most websites today utilize HTTPS as standard, but there are still some that only use HTTP. You can find extensions for most browsers that will ensure HTTPS is being used wherever it’s available.

Don’t Do Anything Sensitive

If at all possible, you should avoid doing your online banking or any other sensitive activities while you are connected to a public Wi-Fi network. This is just a matter of good practice. No matter what other steps you might take, unless you control the network that you are connecting to, there is always a level of risk that you can’t control. You should be very careful about doing anything sensitive on a network that doesn’t belong to you, which includes an airport Wi-Fi network.

If such a public network were to be seriously compromised, it may well not be immediately obvious to the airport themselves. To some extent, you should always assume that the public network that you are using has been compromised and that someone is at least trying to snoop on your activities. It’s unlikely that this has happened, but you can’t know for sure until it’s too late.

If you have to do something like online banking, it might be better to set your smartphone up as a wireless hotspot and accessing the internet through that instead of the local Wi-Fi network. This gives you a private wireless network all of your own to use. Just be prepared to pay the necessary data costs.

Whether you are only going to be using an airport Wi-Fi network while you are waiting to catch a flight and go on vacation, or you pass through airports numerous times every month and make use of their Wi-Fi whenever you do, the same rules apply. It only takes one lapse in your security in order to expose sensitive data, or perhaps even your device’s entire file system, to a potential attacker. Fortunately, staying safe is relatively easy once you know what you should and shouldn’t do. If you want to keep your device as safe as possible, regardless of the network it’s connected to, a VPN or proxy service is usually the best way.

Best Kodi Tips You’ll Find in 2019

Last updated on September 20, 2019

Kodi tips are rather underrated. After all, one of the biggest advantages that Kodi offers compared to other players and streaming services is that it’s extremely modular. It can be shaped in any way you want.

So, why not take advantage of that? Here are the best Kodi tips that we can give as of 2019!

1: Use a VPN

Kodi veterans probably saw this coming from a mile away, but one of the most important Kodi tips that we can give you is to use a VPN. More so for security rather than privacy.

See, while Kodi itself is completely legal to use, there are numerous 3rd party add-ons that aren’t. In some places, this can get you into huge trouble. You may end up paying fines or in some other, more severe, but also more rare cases, going to jail.

Using a cheap VPN (Avoid freebies) is an easy way to avoid that. Not only because it conceals your identity, but also because it can make it look as if you’re browsing from another region; preferably one that doesn’t care too much about piracy.

Germany and Japan are two of the most strict countries when it comes to pirating and streaming copyrighted content. So, those of you who live there should definitely use one. As for the rest of us, it’s still a good idea. Just to be safe.

Some of the top choices include:

Express VPN
Surfshark
And Nord VPN

We personally prefer Express VPN since it has been long known as one of the best options and you know what they say: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”.

2: Change The Language

This is quite a simple one, but did you know that Kodi offers multiple languages? It starts off with English, but there are plenty of more options to choose from.

There are 75 options to choose from including:

Greek
Russian
Swedish
Japanese
German
Croatian
Czech
Danish
Dutch
French

And many, many more. So, if you’re not a native English speaker, why not change the language to feel right at home? You can do that by going to:

Settings (Gear icon)
Interface
Regional
Language
And then simply select the language of your choice

Sure, this isn’t anything breathtaking. But, for those of you who are not too good with English, it can definitely make a huge difference.

3: Install Different Skins

Kodi looks beautiful as is. But, did you know that there is also the option of installing custom skins on it? This can change not only your background but the overall feel of the app.

Thankfully, unlike installing 3rd party add-ons, installing skins is as easy as going to:

Settings
Add-ons
Search
Insert the name of the skin that you want
Search
Click on it
Select “Install”

And that’s about it.

Now, of course, the harder part is finding some skins to install in the first place. But, in such cases, Google is your friend. Some of our favorite options are:

Eminence: Very simplistic and elegant
Aeon Nox: SiLVO: Beautiful and transparent
Arctic Zephyr 2: Magical
Atlas: A bit dark
Chroma: Great for TVs
Black Glass Nova: Fancy
Pellucid: As simple and beautiful as it can get
Transparency: Probably the best option for those who are stuck with a remote
Revolve: Practically makes Kodi feel like a different app
Aen Tajo: Abstract themed

With so many options out there, you’re bound to find something that fits your tastes. All of the installed skins can be found at:

Settings
Add-ons
My add-ons
Look and feel
Skin
Select the skin that you want
And pick “Use”

4: Customize Your Skins

Installing skins is one thing; customizing them is another and probably one of the best Kodi tips that we can give you. After all, there are times where the skin hits all the right spots, except one thing.

That thing could be anything. The background, colors, header, etc. To find these options, you simply need to head over to:

Settings
Skin settings

And then adjust anything according to your preferences.

Do keep in mind that your options may vary depending on the skin that’s installed. In any case, this is something that helps us bring everything one step closer towards our taste.

5: Create Separate Profiles

Netflix offers a handy feature which allows you to switch between different profiles for different members of the family or friends who are sharing the account with you. But, did you know that you can also do something similar with Kodi?

If there are multiple people in the house who are using the same machine, then creating a separate profile for each person may be a good idea. Not only for having a bit of privacy, but also for individual preferences like add-on lists, skins, setups, etc.

Creating a profile is as simple as going to:

Settings
Profiles
Add profile

You’re free to add passwords if you want and it goes without saying that there is the option of selecting different profile pictures, default log-ins, etc.

6: Don’t Forget to Adjust the Main Settings

Most of the time, Kodi manages to setup the main settings automatically without any issues. But, if you are experiencing issues with your display or anything like that, then chances are that you’ll have to manually adjust some options.

The main settings can be found at:

Settings
System
And then you can tweak whatever feels wrong

For example, a common issue with Kodi users on PC is that they can’t get audio on their headphones. Especially those who are using a dedicated audio card for it. Fixing that requires you to go to:

Settings
System
Audio
Audio output device

And then you need to select your headset.

As far as basic Koti tips go, this an absolute must. The same thing applies to your display settings. You can change not only the active monitor but also its resolution with the native option being the best.

If you don’t know what your native resolution is, just try out different options until the display feels more natural and crisp.

Wrapping Up

That’s all for now. If you’ve got any other good Kodi tips, then let us and everyone else know about them in the comments section down below.

How to Uninstall iTunes (Windows and Mac)

Last updated on September 19, 2019

Learning how to uninstall iTunes is quite simple. Why do it? Well, that’s up to you to decide, really. But, the truth is that as music streaming apps like Spotify are becoming more and more popular, other apps like iTunes are becoming more and more obsolete. So, we can’t really blame you for wanting to get rid of it.

Other than that, you may also want to simply re-install it or have one less thing to worry about. In any case, here’s how to uninstall iTunes on Windows and Mac!

How to Uninstall iTunes on Windows 10

Uninstalling apps in older versions of Windows was quite a bit tiresome, to say the least. Thankfully, Microsoft heard our pleas and made it much easier to do so in Windows 10.

Here’s how to remove iTunes in the latest version of Windows:

Click on the Windows icon (lower left part of the screen) or hit the Windows icon on your keyboard
Go to settings by clicking on the gear icon
Go to Apps
Scroll down until you find iTunes
Click on “Uninstall”
Confirm and follow any on-screen instructions
Done

In case that there are other Apple apps that you don’t need, you can remove them with the exact same method. Just repeat the uninstallation process and you should be good to go.

If you wish to install iTunes again, all you have to do is head over to its official website, download it, follow the installation instructions (Mostly just pressing on “Next”) and you should be good to go in no time. Just do keep in mind that you’ll need your log-in credentials (Apple ID and password).

How to Uninstall iTunes on Mac

Mac computers come with iTunes pre-installed. It’s considered a vital part of the operating system, so, do not uninstall it unless you absolutely have to. Obviously, that doesn’t apply for Windows.

That being said, if you simply wish to fix something that went wrong and re-install it, try running the installer first and see if that fixes the issue. In case you insist on uninstalling it, keep on reading, but don’t blame us in case that certain functionalities start breaking apart.

So, to uninstall iTunes on Mac, go to:

Finder
Applications
iTunes
Drag it to “Trash”
Click on “Trash” while holding down the “CTRL” key
And click on “Empty trash”

Chances are that you don’t have the required permissions to get rid of iTunes. And in that case, you’ll probably get a warning that looks like this:

In order to bypass that, we need to change iTune’s permissions. And in order to change the permissions, you’ll have to be an administrator (One who knows the password as well).

In order to do that:

Hold down CTRL while selecting iTunes
Click on “Sharing and permissions”
Click on the lock icon
Type in your password (Admin)
Set the read and write permissions to “Everyone”

And now you should be able to uninstall iTunes.

If you’re still unable to uninstall it to system restrictions, then it’s for the best to stop right here. Tinkering with system files is not for the faint of heart. Preferably, only for those who know what they are doing.

Wrapping Up

That’s all for now. Quite simple really. But, again, do be careful with Mac. If you’ve got any questions, let us know about them in the comments section down below and we’ll try to get back to you.

The Benefits of VPN Explained

Last updated on July 8, 2019

The Benefits of VPN Explained

No matter what device you log on from, whether it’s Windows, Android or iOS, each internet session poses risk. Today, hacking is rampant. Social engineers are constantly devising new ways to obtain your sensitive data.

A good anti-virus may spot ransomware and infected files, but your protection is still incomplete. Despite the availability of incognito mode in Chrome, for instance, the feature will do nothing to protect your data. Here is why VPN is a reasonable solution to add the missing layer on protection.

The principle

Once you access the web, your device is assigned a unique IP address. It may be detected and tracked by hackers, who can see the contents of all your internet sessions. A virtual private network will encrypt your connection so that third-parties are unable to see it. For example, consider Kodi VPN and its many useful features. VPNs may be free or paid, and they may be installed on computers and mobile devices.

Choose an IP address from a different city, country, or even continent – it is now impossible for an outsider to identify your actual location. Your data is protected, and you may now access websites that restrict access based on geography.

For instance, a VPN is the only way to watch streaming video from a geoblocked location. You may recall an instance when you couldn’t access your favorite TV series while on vacation. For example, it is impossible to access HBO without a U.S.-based IP. However, there are many more additional uses.

The danger of public wi-fi

Accessing free wi-fi networks is tempting. However, what you think is a legit airport hotspot may actually be an impostor. Through such networks, hackers receive a gateway to sensitive data stored on your device. Luckily, a VPN will prevent such malicious third parties from causing any damage.

In general, accessing any free wifi networks renders your device vulnerable to attacks due to a lack of encryption. This explains why a VPN is effective in most cases, in addition to other necessary precautions. It will scramble your personal data, which makes in unreadable without the correct decryption key. Here are four ways hackers may try to harm you via a public Wi-Fi point:

Man-in-the-Middle

During attacks of this kind, a third party interferes in communication between two participants. Hence, the data shared between them is accessed by the cybercriminal. As public Wi-Fi connections often use no encryption, it is relatively easy for malicious users to exploit them this way.Fortunately, a VPN will provide the encryption you need to stay safe.

An affected router could collect large amounts of personal data. For instance, getting into your electronic mailbox will give access to your passwords, logins, private messages, etc. Here, the worst consequences ensue if you use online banking or have ever shared any payment details via email.

Packet sniffing

A VPN is particularly effective against this type of attacks. The method allows cybercriminals to obtain transmitted data and analyze it at their own speed. they will do so using the software, such as the free Wireshark. A program is a useful tool for analyzing web traffic.

Ironically, Wireshark is normally used to spot vulnerabilities and cybercriminals. However, it gives hackers abundant data to sift through, which includes passwords. Get a strong VPN encryption and only enter details on HTTPS websites.

Sidejacking

This method also relies on packet sniffing, but obtained data is used on-location. Although hackers will not obtain your passwords directly, they may do so using malware. As a result, they get plenty of sensitive data.

When you enter website log in details, they must be transmitted to be verified based on the information kept by the site. The site will then respond by sending cookies to your device. This is when a lack of encryption may enable hackers to access your private accounts by hijacking the session. As hackers will circumvent lower degrees of encryption, a reliable VPN should keep you safe.

Fake Wi-Fi Connections

Similar to MITM, this type of attacks is called Rogue Access Point. Here, your data is intercepted in transit. Any security blocks which a public Wi-Fi could have been successfully eliminated. The name “Evil Twin” points to similarities in network names.

In an episode of the Doctor WhoTV series, characters dealt with the consequences of connecting to a wrong router that had been manipulated. In the story, this link them to an alien intelligence, which is naturally fictional. In real life, however, this will pass your sensitive private information to hackers, making you a victim of cybercrime.

The way it works is that criminals create a fake access point (AP) masquerading as a genuine hotspot. This can be done using any internet-connected device, including a smartphone. As a result, any data transmitted through such network ends up in the hands of its creators. To spot a fake network, pay special attention to hotspots with identical or similar names.

Spotting a fake Wi-Fi network

A fake Wi-Fi network will look like a duplicate of a genuine one, and it could also use the same security features. To attract victims, its signal could overpower that of the legit hotspot. This means that the fake point is either close to you physically, or hackers have performed a Denial of Service attack. Here are a few red flags:

If you enter the wrong password, but the connection is still successful, the network is fake.
A very slow network connection could mean that a hacker is using mobile internet for the hotspot.
Look out for fake domains. If the address bar on your banking website suddenly shows HTTP instead of HTTPS, you are in trouble. Using a method known as SSL Stripping, a criminal will see all passwords or details you enter. Unfortunately, as you are entering information on the hackers’ own website, there is nothing to protect you.

Home Wi-Fi routers

A 2015 trial connected with wi-fi hacking shocked Japan, as it was the nation’s first case of this nature. The dangers revealed caused security experts to urge people to protect home Wi-Fi routers. Such networks may be hacked by criminals who eavesdrop on the wireless signal, even from an adjacent apartment.

The suspect was accused of stealing ¥16 million. He was said to have obtained online banking passwords and IDs. The damage was exacerbated by computer viruses sent to the victims’ computers for the sake of gaining unauthorized remote access.

What makes matters with cybercrime even worse is that hackers can mask their identities, causing innocent people to become suspects. As perpetrators are often identified by IP addresses, there are many negative consequences.

What to do

Detecting if a network has been hijacked is no easy task. It is essential to protect your home wireless hotspot with a password, but it is hardly sufficient. Ensure it uses a newer form of encryption – the fresher, the harder it is to crack. if your router’s default encryption setting is Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), you need to change it right away. Wi-Fi Protected Access II, or WPA2, is a far better choice.

However, your security measures will be incomplete without a VPN. In the case in question, the subject used software that came as a free gift to break the encryption. A connection encrypted with a VPN may not be hacked into.

Online payments

We often hear about identity theft and credit card fraud online. When you share your payment details with a website, you should be sure it will not be leaked anywhere. Nobody wants to lose their hard-earned cash, so it is best to take all possible precautions. Remember to turn on your VPN when making any money transfers on the go as well.

Luckily, popular e-commerce providers like eBay, Amazon, or PayPal, add their own encryption techniques. One of the signs of a credible site is the secured “https” instead of the usual “http” in its URL. Here, that extra “S” stands for “Secure”, ensuring a level of encryption. You could also install special plugins, such as HTTPS Everywhere, which force browsers into defaulting to encrypted transmissions whenever possible. SSL/TSL certificatesare a way to check any website’s credentials. Any warnings concerning authenticity must be taken seriously.

Video platforms

Even such players as Kodi are best used with a VPN. At first glance, it is simply a media player – i.e., an empty shell. However, there are hidden dangers. First, as an open-source platform, it is linked to general security considerations. If you stream clearly pirated or suspicious content, you may be in trouble. Secondly, any third-party add-ons may be malicious.

Today, Netflix is the king of streaming video. Here is what a good VPN can offer with regard to its library:

unblocking the service;
allowing users to watch content for lengthy periods with no errors or buffering;
enabling speed sufficient for streaming in HD format;
having several apps suitable for different devices.

Online TV

Here, the benefits are the same. ABC is watched in Australia, BBC in the UK, and CBS in the USA. All these broadcasters will only let you stream the content if your IP is based in their countries. A VPN will unblock all their multimedia treasures.

Online games

A VPN may speed up your connection for a more pleasant gaming experience. Sometimes, your internet service provider will slow down online game traffic. In addition, such popular games as World Of Warcraft use the BitTorrent protocol for issuing of updates and patches. It consumes a lot of bandwidth and is often throttled by ISPs. However, using a VPN here may be a double-edged sword. Sometimes, it will render you more latent, which could reduce the speed.

Torrents

No matter what you download, be it a pirated movie or a legal piece of software, you put yourself at risk. As a result. you may find yourself added to a super surveillance list for NSA, GCHQ, BPI, etc. For example, the Motion Picture Association of America wants to monitor all downloads to guarantee that none of their content is shared illegally. For this purpose, they may pose as another regular P2P user sharing files. Alternatively, they could snoop around your Internet Service Provider in order to collect evidence for a case against you.

When it comes to torrents, all security measures except for VPNs only provide a false sense of protection. Such programs as PeerBlock will block IPs from connecting to your network, and critics argue that they block peers, thus harming P2P file sharing in general.

Market research

As a business owner, you may want to expand your operations overseas and conduct a bit of online research. But what should you enter in the search engine bar? The results you will see will be tailored to your physical location. This presents one of the uses of VPN. With a US-based VPN, for example, you will see exactly the same results as an American will get once they google your type of services. From there, you will identify the most visible competitors.

Another advantage of VPNs is that they mask your true IP when you browse competitors’ websites. Otherwise, a site owner may see where the traffic comes from and identify you by IP. If they find your website, they could explore and copy your techniques and valuable ideas.

Dating sites

You may think VPNs would be entirely irrelevant in a quest for romance. It may seem suspicious that a love seeker will hide their actual location. However, dating platforms have a number of privacy-related issues. Scammers are apt at exploiting dating sites to obtain personal data. You could be exposed to malware-laced pop-ups or impostors.

Context ads

As a VPN encrypts every session, you will no longer see those nasty dating apps pop up on your social media pages. Such sponsored context ads are displayed based on your browsing history, which is determined based on the IP. If such advertisements appear on your screen at work, co-workers could spot them as well.

Hackers

Dating sites are often hacked. In 2015, countless users of Ashley Madison, mostly married men looking for affairs, were blackmailed by hackers. Even if you invent an alias and use an email address registered for dating only, a hacker may still identify you by IP.

Accessing blocked websites

In some countries, dating sites are blocked by governments. For example, it is well-known that residents of China and India are preventing from accessing Western websites. Such measures are taken in order to keep their internet activities under strict control and pursue protect policies.

However, in the West, dating sites may also be blocked – you may not access them from your workplace due to employer’s restrictions. In any case, a VPN is simply indispensable here. It will conceal your actual IP address, thereby making it look like you are in a different country. As the session will be encrypted, not only will you gain access, it is also much safer.

An effective VPN will not only encrypt your session. It will thereby open access instantly.

Adult sites

You may not admit it publicly, but there is hardly a user who has never been to a porn site. Whether it’s traditional porn, VR or webcamming, such platforms are notorious sources of viruses, malware, and other dangers. Here, the use of VPN is two-fold. On the one hand, it is a necessary addition to your anti-virus and anti-malware software. On the other hand, it unblocks smut collections for users in geo-restricted zones, such as India.

Choosing a VPN

Make sure your VPN encrypts data securely. Look for AES or Advanced Encryption Standard. The first publicly accessible and open cipher, it is approved by the National Security Agency (NSA) as a standard of protection at a “Top Secret” level. The most desirable encryption is marked AES-256.

Today, the choice of VPNs is abundant, and different price tags provide different features. Aim for those programs that do not consume too much bandwidth, as connection speeds may deteriorate while the VPN is on. The best programs follow rigid no-logs policies, so you can be sure your online history does not get stored.

You may find lists of VPNs most suitable for your operating system, and tailored to certain kinds of websites. Such information is even be found on Reddit. Some of the services favored by users include NordVPN, TorGuard, Mullvad, and Proton VPN. The latter is free and therefore fairly limited in its features.

Free or paid?

In general, free VPNs are best avoided. They may profit from leaking your data to third parties. Paid services rarely charge a lot, and offer good value for money. Their product is usually far superior. Like anywhere else, what is free is rarely good.

Be sure to check user feedback and expert reviews to choose the most suitable service. As hackers are getting increasingly skillful, we should protect our computers and mobile devices. It is better to be safe than sorry!